Man Who Fled Scene of Accident Hangs Himself in an Apparent Suicide, LIVINGSTON, August 13, 2013 - The man who was involved in a near head on accident and then summarily fled the scene and was caught has reportedly hanged himself in an apparent suicide. The man, Shawn Michael Shanks, 39, of Livingston, was caught last night (August 12, 2013) after he had fled the scene of an accident that he had caused. Shanks was placed under arrest and charged with driving while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of an accident. He was transported to a holding cell at Livingston Police Department. As officers continued their investigation, they returned to his holding cell a short time later to find that shanks had hanged himself. Officers immediately summoned medical personnel who arrived and confirmed that Shanks was in fact deceased. Justice of the Peace, Larry Whitworth performed an inquest at the scene and ordered an autopsy by the Harris County Medical Examiners Office. Shanks' death is being investigated by the Livingston Police Department and the Texas Rangers. Shanks had reportedly recently moved to Livingston from the State of Idaho.

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Sergeant Chad Ward with Livingston Police Department investigates.

Driver Flees Scene of Accident, Alcohol Suspected, LIVINGSTON, August 13, 2013 - Shortly after 10 pm on August 12, 2013, Shawna Thomas, 34, of Livingston was west-bound on US-190 West in a white Ford F-250 when she suddenly observed an east-bound Ford Pickup that was driving straight toward her in the west-bound lane of traffic. Thomas began flashing her lights, but the driver of the other vehicle didtn't seem to get the message. She stopped her vehicle and the other vehicle (driven by Shawn Shanks, 39, of Livingston) just kept coming. The two trucks made a glancing collision. According to Thomas, Shanks slammed into her truck, then repeatedly tried to back out and drive away, but he couldn't get his truck disconnected from hers. Thomas and her passengers looked at the other vehicle and Shanks waved at them. Sergeant Chad Ward, Adam Williford, and Jason Thomas (all with Livingston Police Department) were dispatched to the scene. When they arrived Shawn Shanks had abandoned his vehicle and fled to the vicinity of Raceway gas station. The officers pursued Shanks and found him hiding in the woodline just behind Raceway. Shanks was brought back to the scene and loaded into a patrol unit. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the accident. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrived to assist Livingston PD. Traffic on 190 West was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Shanks was placed under arrest and transported to Livingston Police Department for questioning. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of an accident. He could be facing additional charges. Both vehicles were recovered by Ken's Towing. Shawna Thomas' Yukon was transported to Pollock's Body Shop in Livingston while Shawn Shanks' vehicle was transported to Harrison Body Shop in Livinston.